It does absolutely no good to head into a new year with a defeatist attitude, even if Stockton has gone through several exceptionally tough years.

The past one was a doozy, with a bankruptcy, a record number of murders, a serious uptick in crime and economic challenges.

But Stockton, and San Joaquin and Calaveras counties, must continue to push forward.

With that in mind, we lay out five New Year's resolutions for 2013:

Bankruptcy: Follow through on strategy

» The problem: Stockton became the largest United States city to file for bankruptcy protection in 2012

» The big picture: The bankruptcy process now must play itself out, and it's going to be dicey for the city with hungry creditors trying to recoup their losses. Stockton officials are in for some tough battles and the impact on citizens is indeterminate.

» Moving forward: Stockton opted for this approach, and we continue to editorially support the bold - yet probably inevitable - path. Even with a large changeover in the city council - four of the seven who cast bankruptcy votes are now gone - Stockton must stay the course.

City government: Work together

» The problem: A huge voter-mandated change in Stockton city government has taken three strident supporters - Mayor Ann Johnston, Council member Diana Lowery and Council member Susan Eggman (elected to the State Assembly) away from Stockton City Manager Bob Dies.

» The big picture: Lots of uncertainty. Who can say how Mayor-elect Anthony Silva - a stunning landslide winner over Johnston - will govern? There also will be council inexperience with incoming Michael Tubbs and Moses Zapien and an Eggman replacement to be named later.

» Moving forward: We believe it's in Stockton's best interests for Deis to remain as city manager. It's also in Stockton's best interests for Silva to be a collegial leader. This is no time for power struggles, infighting and lines being drawn in the sand. Collaborate.

Crime: Support those in blue

» The problem: A record 70 homicides - many more than the record 58 set the previous year - has Stocktonians on edge. Other types of crime also have increased, and often they are brazen in nature. Stockton Police Department struggles with its staffing numbers.

» The big picture: There are some things broken in the criminal justice system: experienced cops are retiring or leaving, there's often no room at the jail, sometimes crimes cannot be prosecuted and the criminals seem to know that, at times, they have the upper hand.

» Moving forward: Support the men and women in blue. Be aware of the criminal element. Be their eyes and ears. SPD also must reach the budgeted level of 344 sworn officers so it is eligible for more staff through federal grants. It must happen. The collaborations with other law-enforcement agencies must continue. SPD has the leadership to make a serious dent in crime, so let's be diligent in giving the department support.

Family: Be part of the solution

» The problem: Many of the crimes we see in Stockton and San Joaquin County have a common denominator: a poor family situation for the alleged perpetrators.

» The big picture: The equation is rather simple: Poor parenting leads to a lack of respect for others and a devaluation of education, which in turn leads to gang involvement or criminal behavior.

» Moving forward: Parents must be parents. They must discipline. They must stress education. They must push their children to make something of their lives.

Life: Enjoy it to fullest

» The problem: Many in our city and county have bunkered down or cocooned. The impact of crime and the economy have stifled, in some, the desire to be outgoing.

» The big picture: This city, county and area has so many positive things to offer.

» Moving forward: Go to movies, plays and concerts. Picnic in the park. Focus on activities with children or seniors. Enjoy a day on the Delta. Shop in the local stores. Eat in the local restaurants. Make a day trip a month. Don't bunker down - enjoy life. Embrace it.

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